دولت جمهوری اسالمی افغانستان Islamic Republic of Afghanistan وزارت تحصیــــــــــــــــــالت عالی Ministry of Higher Education برنامه انکشاف تحصیــــالت عالی Higher Education Development Program مدیریت اداری و منابـــــــع بشری Admin HR Department

Report on First-Year Female Students Orientation Program at Herat University, Jawzjan University & Balkh University

Sponsored by: World Bank

Contents

Introduction ...... 3

Objective ...... 3

Target Group ...... 3

Modality of Orientation ...... 4

Herat Univeristy ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………4

- Concluding Note ...... 6

- Challenges & Recommendations………………..…………………………………………………………………………6

Jawzjan Univeristy ………………………………………………………………………………………………….……………7

- Concluding Note ...... 9

- Challenges & Recommendations………………..…………………………………………………………………………9

Balkh Univeristy ...... 10

- Concluding Note ...... 15

- Challenges and Recommendation ...... 15

ANNEX 1: ...... 16

ANNEX 2: ...... 17

ANNEX 3: ...... 18

ANNEX4: ...... 21

ANNEX 5 ...... 24

2

Introduction

The Higher Education Development Project (HEDP) with coordination of Ministry of Higher Education to achieve the objectives of the National Higher Education Strategic Plan II (NHESPII) has coordinated in conducting of Orientation Program for the first year female students. The pilot program had been started with Kabul University and Kabul Education Univeristy in 2016. The second phase of orientation has been planned in three provincial universities (Herat, Balkh and Jawzjan) in 2017.

Objective

The objective of this orientation was to familiarize students with the university life, and get to know about the facilities University provides, such as the library, laboratories, cafeteria, security, first aid section and etc. It is also a good opportunity for the student to become familiar with University staff and the surroundings, as well as the academic credit system. On the other hand, the university community apart from being involved in the preparation and implementation of orientation programs had the opportunity to meet the new students.

Target group

Since it was the second year of conducting orientation program with support of HEDP for female new comers, three provincial Universities (Herat, Jawzjan and Balkh) were selected. The universities were selected based on the ratio of female students enrolment.

3

Modality of Orientation

The Orientation program in provincial universities was designed based on the decision of each Univeristy leadership and team and conducted in various time based on the schedule

Herat Univeristy

Based on the recommendation of Herat University officials and their management rules, the orientation was held in 4 days, 8 sessions, from November 16- 20, for 1500 first year female students, the agenda was the same for all the 8 sessions.

The first day of the program has been started with welcome speech of Herat University Chancellor Prof. Dr. Abdullah Aria and continued with introductory presentations by Vice Chancellor of Students Affairs, Vice chancellor for Administration and Finance, Faculty Deans, Gender Officer, Library representative and responsible representatives. However, the next

sessions were started by the presentations and of the vice chancellors.

The main topics were covered during each sessions of the program were, an overview of the University including the history, faculties, departments, number of academics and students, an introduction to credit system, roles and regulation of the university, library, gender department, and female dorm in

4

Herat University. Furthermore, a guidance for the administration process in case of need was given by the vice chancellor of administration and finance Mr. Sekandary.

The orientation was held in the auditorium of Education Faculty, where before entering the hall, first year students had to register their names + faculty name and email addresses on the paper, while receiving the prepared stationary. The stationary and the refreshment served for the students plus other logistics such as banner and incentives for senior students were sponsored by HEDP (WB project).

In each session after the words of holy Quran and National anthem the program has started with the speeches of one the Deputies/ vice chancellors, and continued with the giving useful information through faculty deans, Gender Head, and the head of Central Library.

Moreover, acting director of Herat women affairs directorate, Gender head of governor office and representative of civil society were the especial guests of this program.

At the end of each session, each part of the University campus such as Library, Lecture Blocks, Admin Offices and other main parts of the University were introduced through a presentation prepared by gender department for the participants.

5

Concluding Note

The orientation as expected was welcomed by students and well-managed by the university leadership. The students attended the orientation mentioned, it was helpful for them to know the environment better. Moreover, most of the students did not know about the University history, academic rules, credit system and other services the Univeristy provides, so the students were really happy for being part of such program.

Challenges and Recommendations

However the orientation was successfully ended, there were some challenges during the program.

 Conducting the program later than expected date due to financial issue: around 2000 students were invited to the orientation while only 1500 were present due to program time that touched the midterm schedule of most of the students.

 As the program was conducted during the semester midterm, the hall of education faculty was reserved only for two days for the program of orientation, and the rest of the sessions of orientation program were conducted in the yard of the campus.

6

Jawzjan University

The orientation program in Jawzjan University was held in three days from November 22 to November 24 in the conference Hall of Jawzjan University within the university campus.

This program was planned for all the new comer female students of the university that around 700 students from all the 7 faculties (Education, Engineering- Geology and Mines, Engineering- Chemical Technology, Engineering- Construction, Social Sciences, Economic and Law) of Jawzjan University have participated.

The University Chancellor, University vice chancellors, Faculty Deans, Heads of Departments, Gender Head, Dormitory Head, Head of Students Department, and most of the faculty members participated as guest speaker as well.

The first session of the program has started on November 22 at 9:30 with the recitation of Holy Quran and National Anthem. The program continued with a welcome note and short introduction of HEDP by the Univeristy operation coordinator Mr. Hussain.

The university chancellor started the program with a welcome speech. In continue, the Univeristy Operation coordinator had an introductory speech about HEDP. The Univeristy history, Univeristy leadership members, Academic Programs, faculties and departments of Jawzjan Univeristy have been introduced by Prof. Mohammad Hashim Seddiqi the Vice- chancellor for Academic Affairs.

The next session was covered by Associate Prof. Ghulam Sakhi Nazari the vice chancellor for Students Affair, during this session Exam roles and regulations, Credit System, Univeristy regulations and policies were presented.

7

Moreover, the dormitory policy and admission process, completion of monograph and receiving of transcript and certificate, IT and Library services and sport programs were introduced by Head of Students Affairs Department.

Furthermore, the faculty deans and Gender Head had introductory speech about each faulty and Gender department and the services they provide.

8

The program ended with closing speech and visit of university campus by Mr. Hussain the university operation coordinator.

PS: The agenda and presentations were same for all sessions in three days.

Concluding Note

The program was ended successfully by the support of the university officials. Based on the feedback received from the participants, it was a very useful and efficient program for all. They added, they learnt a lot about the university, the disciplines, credit system, and other services and opportunities university provides for them.

Challenges and Recommendations

However the orientation was successfully ended, there were some challenges during the program.

 Conducting the program later than expected date due to financial issue.

 The next challenge was the examination of students. The orientation program was conducted very close to the examination date that most of the students were busy with preparation for the exam; however, the joined the program, but they suggested for the next years to be conducted at the beginning of the semester.

9

Balkh Univeristy:

Balkh University conducted the Orientation program for female students of different faculties during the month of May, 2018. In some faculties, besides female students, male students (Junior and Senior) were part of the program contents as well as the supporter and guide. The orientation program in Balkh Univeristy has been conducted in 8 sessions for 16 the faculties.

The first session of the program started on May 1st with the faculty of Languages and Literature. The program has started at 10:00am with the recitation of the Holy Quran. The Afghanistan National Anthem and introduction to the program by the university gender head Ms. Freshta Nasiry were the next agenda of the program beginning.

Balkh University vice Chancellor Mr. Mukamel Alkozai started with a welcome speech, the history mad main tasks of the university plus facilities the university is providing for the female students.

Ms. Freshta Naseri the Gender Head of Balkh University had a valuable speech on MoHE Gender Strategy and role of investment for female students in Higher Education.

The next part of the program was an overview of the timing, credit system and examination methods of all the faculties and departments of Balkh University which was presented through a presentation by Ms. Enjilla Sutani the Lecturer and member of QAA committee.

The University Campus, dormitory, library, clinic, lecture blocks and other main admin buildings were introduced to the students by Administrative and Finance Vice Chancellor Mr. Abdul Haq Haqiq. Moreover, during this presentation all the services and opportunities for students especially for female students were presented.

Around 400 female students participated in this session.

10

The second session of the orientation program was conducted for education faculty on May 5th. Around 490 female students participated. The agenda was almost same for all the sessions; however, the Univeristy vice chancellor didn’t participate in the next sessions. The faculty deans and deputies were leading the programs.

The orientation program for the Education faculty has been started with a welcome speech and a presentation about the history, main tasks of Balkh University, the history of education faculty, departments of the education faculty by Ms. Monisa the faculty dean. Continued with the speeches of

Mr. Naseer Ahmad about, facilities the university and the faculty provide for the female students.

The next part of the program was an overview of the timing, credit system and examination methods of all the faculties and departments of Balkh University which was presented through a presentation by Ms. Enjila Sultanzada the Lecturer and member of QAA committee.

Ms. Freshta Naseri the Gender Head of Balkh University had a valuable speech on MoHE gender strategy and role of investment for female students in Higher Education.

University operations coordinator of Balkh University briefed the participants about GRM mechanism and GRC committee established in Balkh University by support of HEDP and encouraged the participants to share their problems / concerns regarding HEDP activities in Balkh University.

At the end of the program a site visit of the campus by some senior and junior students was done for the participants.

Medical Faculty of Balkh Univeristy was the next faculty that have received the Female Orientation Program for the female students. The program was conducted on May 6th for 170 students. The program continued with the same agenda started with the recitation of Holy Quran, National Anthem and an introduction to the program by the Univeristy Gender Head. The faculty deputy Ms.

11

Suraya Dost, has started the program by giving an overall introduction about the Univeristy and Medical Faculty. Continuously, the next speakers added the detailed information about specific parts and activities and facilities of the Balkh univeristy and Medical faculty.

Moreover, the Univeristy Operational Coordinator had a session of introduction to HEDP activities and GRM functionality in Balkh Univeristy.

The speakers/ Presenters for the program were;

- Ms. Suraya Dost, deputy of Medical faulty, - Ms. Freshta Naseri, Head of Gender Unit - Ms. Enjila Sultanzada, trainer, Lecturer and member of QAA committee. - Ms. Asma -Library - Mr. Naseer Ahmad Noorzad, Trainer, and member administrative unit.

12

Female students of Social Science, Computer science, Mine and water Engineering, Engineering, agriculture faculties were oriented on May 7th. The total students participated in this program were 295. The presenters and speakers for this program were the following,

- Ms. Massoda Ahmad Adadi, Dean of engineering faculty

- Dean of Social Science faculty,

- Ms. Walida Sardar, head of gender unit of computer science faculty;

- Ms. Sonia Ahmadyar, head of gender unit of mine and water engineering faculty;

- Ms. Nilofar danishyar, gender unit of Agriculture faculty;

- Ms. Freshta Naseri, Head of Gender Unit, Balkh University;

- Ms. Enjila Sultanzada, trainer, Lecturer and member of QAA committee.

- Ms. Najia, trainer, Lecturer and member of QAA committee.

- Ms. Asma – Library .

- Mr. Naseer Ahmad Noorzad, Trainer, procurement unit

After the recitation of Holy Quran, National Anthem and the welcome speech of Ms. Naseri the Gender Head, Ms. Massoda Ahmad Adadi, Dean of engineering faculty introduced the Balkh Univeristy with all the facilities and services. Moreover, she had a full detailed presentation about the engineering faculty, the departments, disciplines, classes, team and the methodology. In constant, the representatives each of the above mentioned have given a detailed speech about each faculty with a background about the history of them. Furthermore, an overview of the univeristy services, such as library, clinic, gender department, and administrative procedure of the documents were the next part of the agenda that were presented by Ms. Naseri the Gender Head, Ms. Asma and Mr. Naseer Ahmad Noorzad, Trainer, procurement unit.

13

HEDP activities and the GRM functionality and procedure were introduced by the University Operational Coordinator Mr. Arghand. Students had a site visit of the campus with the support of senior and junior students of these faculties.

The next session of the female orientation program was conducted on May 8th for the faculties of Public administration and policy, Economic, Science, and Veterinary. Around 400 students were participated at this session. The agenda followed in this program was the same of the other days. The Economic Faculty dean MS. Nargis started the program after the recitation of Holy Quran and National Anthem, with a speech about the Balkh Univeristy and Economic Faculty. And, the program continued with the presentations and speeches of each faculty representatives. Moreover, Gender Head, HEDP representative, Library Representative and administrative member also had speeches and presentations about the services and facilities Balkh Univeristy provides for the students during their studies. The program ended with a tour of the campus leaded by junior students. Speakers/ Presenters of the program. - Ms. Nurgis, Head of Economic faculty,

- Ms. Hasina Sharifi, Gender representative of Public administration and policy faculty;

- Ms. Farzana Joya, Gender representative of Science faculty,

- Ms. Razia Sadaat, Gender representative of Veterinary faculty;

- Ms. Freshta Naseri, Head of Gender Unit

14

- Ms. Enjila Sultanzada, trainer, Lecturer and member of QAA committee.

- Ms. Asma - Library.

- Mr. Naseer Ahmad Noorzad, Trainer, procurement unit.

The last session of the orientation program was conducted for the female students of Law, Sharia, and Journalism Faculties, for 340 students on May 9th. The program conducted with the same agenda. The Law Faculty dean Ms. Shakiba Bagramwal, started the program by her useful speeches. The next speakers continued the program with their speeches and presentations and introduced Balkh Univeristy with all the services and opportunities to the participants through this program.

Concluding Note

The female orientation program in Balkh University completed successfully. Around 2000 female students were oriented in 6 sessions.

The orientation as expected was welcomed by all students and well-managed by the University leadership and officials. The students attended the orientation were really happy and appreciated this program. According to them, it was helpful for them to know the environment better. Moreover, most of the students did not know about the University history, academic rules, credit system and other services the Univeristy provides, so the students were really happy for being part of such program.

Besides, senior students (the facilitators of the program) welcomed this program warmly and wished they have such programs when they entered university. Also, they showed their commitment to be part of such programs in coming years. And, they found it very useful.

Challenges and Recommendations

However the orientation was successfully ended, there were some challenges during the program.

 Conducting the program later than expected date due to financial issue.

 The next challenge was the place/ hall for conducting the program. Most of the programs were conducted in small conference rooms, two or three sessions in one day with same agenda, speeches and presentations. It could be arranged well in lesser time if the auditorium or a big hall was available for the team. However, the program ended with expected outcomes.

15

ANNEX 1: Agenda of the Orientation Program - Herat University

معرفی پوهنتون هرات برای محصالن اناث سال اول ۶۹۳۱

شماره موضوعات زمان سخنرانان ۱ قرائت کالم الهی ۰۰۹-۰۰۹۹ محترم قاری صاحب

۲ پخش سرورد ملی بخش تخنیکی -۰۰۹ ۰۰۱۹

۳ خوش آمدگویی و معرفی برنامه -۰۰۱۹ ۰۰۲۹ مدیر جندر پوهنتون خالصه ای از کارکردهای پوهنتون هرات و پالنهای آینده ۹ آن در خصوص تسهیالت برای -۱۹ ۰۰۲۹ رئیس صاحب پوهنتون ارائه خدمات تحصیلی بهتر برای قشر اناث خوش آمدگویی و معرفی پوهنحی ۶ روسای پوهنحی و -۱۹۰۳۹ ۱۹۰۹ هاو ادارات مسئولین ادارات نمایش فلم مستند پوهنتون ۷ -۱۹۰۳۹ ۱۹۰۰۹ هرات تیم تخنیکی پرزنتیشن مربوط به معرفی بخشهای مختلف پوهنتون هرات و ۸ معاون صاحب امور مالی ۱۱۰۹۹-۱۹۰۰۹ خدمات تحصیلی موجود، جهت و اداری ارائه

دعائیه و ختم محفل

16

ANNEX 3: Agenda of the Orientation Program- Jawzjan University

17

ANNEX 3: Orientation Pictures - Herat University

18

19

20

ANNEX 4: Orientation Pictures – Jawzjan University

21

22

23

ANNEX 5: Pictures of Orientation Program in Balkh University

24

25